ILLINOIS HOUSE APPROVES BILL FOR ANTI-DRUG JURIES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The Illinois House on Tuesday narrowly approved a new version of the bill sought by Atty. Gen. Neil Hartigan to create drug-fighting statewide grand juries.

The 63-36 vote, technically ratifying Republican Gov. James Thompson`s changes in the measure, was supported by Democrats backing Hartigan, who has made the grand jury bill a key plank in his gubernatorial campaign.

But the measure also was supported by a dozen Republicans, some of whom face tough primary or general election challenges and wanted to avoid giving opponents the opportunity to accuse them of being soft on drugs.

The action, three more votes than necessary for approval, set the stage for a more closely divided Senate to consider whether to hand Hartigan a critical victory for his campaign. That vote could come Wednesday.